American Green Tree Frog | Hyla cinerea TADPOLES

Hyla cinerea, commonly known as the American Green tree frog, is a small, arboreal amphibian native to the southeastern United States. It is recognized for its vibrant green coloration, which may range from lime to olive, accompanied by a white or yellow stripe running along its sides. This frog typically measures 3-6 cm in length and has smooth skin with a slightly moist texture.

Green tree frogs inhabit swamps, marshes, ponds, and other freshwater ecosystems with abundant vegetation, where they find both shelter and food. They are nocturnal and insectivorous, feeding on a diet of flies, mosquitoes, and other small invertebrates. Known for their distinctive and melodious "quonk-quonk" call, males use vocalizations to attract mates during the breeding season, which occurs in spring and summer. Females lay eggs in water, which hatch into tadpoles that later metamorphose into frogs.

As a species, Hyla cinerea is of "Least Concern" according to the IUCN Red List, benefiting from stable populations and a wide distribution. It is also a popular pet due to its manageable size and captivating appearance. This frog plays an essential ecological role by controlling insect populations and serving as prey for larger predators.